La Maison Simons Gatineau

2015-encommercial

The architecture for the new La Maison Simons location in Gatineau by LEMAYMICHAUD features pure shapes. The design concept for both the interior and exterior is inspired by fabric.A textured, iconic Prince of Wales pattern, highlighted with threads of the Simons green, is carved into the facade of precast white concrete. Inside, it might have been easy to lose the holistic relationship between the nine different departments that cohabit in the store. To solve this, LEMAYMICHAUD used different colours and unique materials to mark out each one, creating warm and welcoming spaces that are harmoniously ͚woven͛ together. An aluminum mesh sculpture, which appears to spill down from the ceiling anchors the inspiring interior. The boutiques aimed at a young clientele explode with energy, while the departments for more mature shoppers exude chic, modern elegance. In the men͛s departments, pure lines and raw materials predominate, contrasting with the geometric textures and floral carpets in the women͛s section. Black and white tiles also aid the transitions between the men͛s and women͛s departments. The jury was won over by the minimalist yet daring approach.